14/06/2015 - FURNACE OF DISTRESS

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See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.  Isaiah 48.10

The Israelites didn’t think that, through the hard times and other afflictions that may seem unbearable, God purified them. The sad thing is that they didn’t understand this and continued sinning. A very similar fact happens with many people who accept the faith in Jesus, but, because they are not conscious of the Lord’s work, when they are in hard times, they lose faith and go astray from the Lord’s way. It’s in the hard moments that we are able to free ourselves from the temptations and become victorious.

They would take the Lord’s name in oath, however they would not fulfill what they promised (Is 48.1).This is one of the most common mistakes done by some of the children of God.They affirm that they will do something in the Name of Jesus, but when a resistance appears, or when they are put in the furnace of distress, they turn around and give up in their battle. Now, it’s fundamental that the saved ones fulfill everything they promise when they speak in the name of Jesus.

The Israelites were “hard headed”, ready to accept the defeat, without trying hard for the divine operation to fulfill. As servants of the Almighty, we cannot fear the enemy’s threats, because the Lord goes before us. How can we be defeated, if the Omnipotent is in the command of the work? This will only happen if the initiative of realizing the work is ours. He who follows God’s plans has Him by their side.

Many times, the Lord’s love for His name made Him slow the punishment that the Israelites deserved. If we analyze well, this has also been the reason of us having been spared innumerous times when we also deserved punishment. However, those who are faithful in fulfilling the Father’s demands can count on His support, protection and help. One time, when the Master asked His disciples if anything had ever been missing for them when they were obedient, and the answer was no (Luke 22.35).

If perhaps you find yourself in the furnace of distress, do not grumble, don’t get rebellious and don’t try to find a way out by your own strength. Stay firm in what God has said to you, because His will must not be neglected.The difficulties can be a great opportunity in proving our love for God, and in this way, we are rewarded. The Almighty is not unfair in any situation; He Always acts like a true Father.

The Lord wanted, through purification that the Israelites became correct servants for the good work prepared by Him. In the same way, believe that your purification does not have the target of taking any slags from you, for the blood of Jesus has already done that; it has the purpose of equipping you for important accomplishments. After all, He determined that you would be an instrument in His hands. However, those who retreat can cause bad to themselves, being handed over to the lord of bondage. Lord have Mercy!

Everyone who comes to the Kingdom of God is instructed to fulfill the divine plan. Sometimes, the “school” of the Holy Spirit has its address in the furnace of distress seven times more than normal, in the lion’s pit or even in the cistern of King Zedekiah’s palace. However, one thing is certain: whoever goes through the furnace of distress comes out ready to win.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares